Novel Nanocomposite Materials for Solar Cell Fabrication

Abstract

The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Problems studied:This project involves the synthesis and characterization of novel ionic liquid (IL) electrolytes for high-performance dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Since most commonly used organic liquid electrolytes of DSSCs are volatile and flammable, they limit the long-term stability and high temperature operations of these cells. In our present This project involves the synthesis and characterization of novel ionic liquid (IL) electrolytes for high-performance dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Since most commonly used organic liquid electrolytes of DSSCs are volatile and flammable, they limit the long-term stability and high temperature operations of these cells. In our present work, we have addressed these issues through the development of non-volatile, non-flammable and polymerizable IL electrolytes. Our IL characterization efforts have focused on thermo-physical and electrochemical properties that are relevant for DSSC-specific applications. Computer simulations have also been performed to understand the structural properties of the new electrolytes/nano-composite systems.